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Questions from Administrators
Laureate Learning Systems has been
publishing research-based award-winning software for special education
since 1982. All of our programs are authored by clinical experts
who understand the unique needs of students with disabilities. Laureate
offers over 80 programs specifically designed to teach critical
cognitive, language, and reading skills to students with a wide
variety of special needs. Here are answers to some of the questions
administrators frequently ask us.
Q. I have parents asking for more individual
language intervention services for their children. Can Laureate
software help me meet this need cost effectively?
A. Laureate software provides
a cost-effective solution for schools and districts looking to increase
the number of language and reading intervention sessions students
receive without hiring additional special educators and speech-language
pathologists. Our programs are designed to be used independently,
so your students can receive services right in their own classrooms.
Even students with the most severe disabilities can use Laureate’s
programs with the assistance of an aide. This means your students
can receive quality individualized language services five days a
week. By enabling speech-language pathologists to prescribe more
language intervention services, Laureate software helps students
meet their IEP goals more quickly and efficiently.
Q. Can Laureate software make it easier for my special educators
and speech-language pathologists to document student performance?
A. Accountability requires
data to document performance. All Laureate programs collect and
report data that can be used to document performance. Your special
educators and speech-language pathologists can use Laureate software
for alternative assessments as well as documentation of student
performance for individual portfolios. Laureate’s all-new
Sterling Edition programs have enhanced data collection, analysis,
and reporting capabilities that significantly ease the documentation
burden.
Q. Do any of your programs utilize expert systems to automatically
deliver instruction so my special education professionals don’t
have to spend time giving detailed instructions on software use
in the classroom?
A. Laureate’s all
new Sterling Editions language intervention programs come with an
automatic instructional delivery system called Optimized Intervention®.
The system is extremely easy to use. Simply choose the student’s
name, the program, and click on GO. The system begins with probe
testing to determine where to begin training. Once training begins,
Optimized Intervention automatically adjusts instructional delivery
based on student responses. Optimized Intervention collects trial-by-trial
student data and the Sterling Administration System provides built-in
analysis and reporting capabilities. Delivering individualized language
intervention sessions couldn’t be more cost-effective.
Q. We’ve seen an alarming increase in the number of students
with autism. Do you have any programs that can meet the unique needs
of these exceptional learners?
A. Students with autism
have been successfully using Laureate’s software for over
twenty years. We currently offer a Two-Level
Autism/PDD Package of programs especially chosen to meet the
language needs of your students. Level 1 takes students from cause-and-effect
to beginning word combinations while Level 2 ranges from early syntax
to basic language mastery. If you’re looking for an effective
reading program for this population, try The
Sentence Master authored by Dr. Marion Blank. This revolutionary
approach systematically provides instruction to turn the non-reader
into a successful reader.
Q. Does Laureate have software to address literacy issues
in Early Essential Education programs?
A. Research has demonstrated the importance of building
oral language abilities as a basis for emergent literacy. Combining
print with pictures helps children begin the process of associating
graphemes and phonemes. Starting with our earliest vocabulary development
programs, text accompanies picture presentations. We have put together
a “Preschool
Essential Language Package” consisting of programs to
build vocabulary, develop syntax, and encourage emergent literacy
skills. These programs will help your students develop the language
abilities they need to achieve school success.
Q. Do you have software for students with severe/profound disabilities?
A. Starting with cause
and effect games designed for students functioning below six months
of age, Laureate has software that can meet the needs of students
with the most severe disabilities. High-quality natural sounding
speech, colorful graphics, and engaging animation captivate, encourage,
and instruct users…and no reading is required. All of our
programs are easily accessible through a single switch, touch sensitive
screen, keyboard, or mouse. Laureate software provides the consistent,
supportive environment that learners with special challenges require
to achieve success.
Q. Does your software offer an integrated research-based
approach to language learning?
A. Laureate’s programs
are organized into a linguistic hierarchy which outlines seven stages
of language development. Over 80 research-based software titles
help students with language and cognitive impairments master critical
language skills. Because the software is integrated, students can
move easily from one program to the next as they meet their goals.
Q. Do you have anything for students who are having problems
learning to read?
A. For students with weak
oral language and reading skills, Laureate has put together a specially
priced “Elementary
Language and Reading Package” of software that will meet
the cognitive, language, and reading needs of your elementary students
with identified disabilities as well as your disadvantaged learners.
These research-based programs will provide your students with the
skills they need for academic success.
Q. We have kindergarten and elementary school students learning
English as a Second Language. Do you have programs that can help
them gain basic oral English competence?
A. Laureate offers special
pricing on the “English
as a Second Language (ESL) Package” of language development
software. This package includes programs to train English word order
and sentence structures, vocabulary (including irregular verbs),
and following directions.
Q. Can your software help make inclusion work in our district?
A. Because Laureate software is designed
to be used independently, students can receive individualized language
and reading instruction in their own classrooms. Not only will your
students reach their educational goals, they’ll build their
confidence, independence, and self-esteem.
Q. How can I use instructional technology to better address
the learning needs of all the special education students I'm responsible
for?
A. Laureate has put together a
“Complete
Special Education Software Solutions Package” that offers
a range of programs at special savings to you. The programs included
in this package are appropriate for students whose disabilities
range from severe/profound to mild. This package covers cause and
effect, vocabulary development, categorization, syntax mastery,
concept development, and reading instruction.
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